The Patan High Court has issued a temporary stay order halting the screening of the film ‘Lalibazar’ until 22 Baisakh. Citing the Supreme Court’s 2075 ruling on the ‘Nathiya’ and ‘Ailani’ cases, the court has imposed the ban due to concerns over ethnic sensitivities. As the film is deemed likely to affect the dignity of certain communities, the court has summoned both parties for a hearing on 22 Baisakh.
The stay order by the Patan High Court adheres to the Supreme Court’s directives given seven years ago. A single bench led by Justice Prakash Dhungana ordered the film’s screening be halted until 22 Baisakh and called both sides for discussions on the same day. The court grounded its decision on the Supreme Court’s March 15, 2075 order regarding the ‘Nathiya’ and ‘Ailani’ novels along with the film ‘Pandit Baje ko Lauri’.
In those cases, a bench of Justices Ishwar Prasad Khatiwada and Bam Kumar Shrestha emphasized the need for caution in handling ethnic and social sensitive issues and ordered relevant authorities to provide the necessary directives. The Patan High Court order similarly notes the serious nature of the issues raised in relation to ‘Lalibazar’. Considering the petitioner’s arguments and evidence, the court found that the film may harm the honor of certain communities and thus deemed it necessary to immediately halt its screening.
The order is described as an interim measure intended to maintain balance rather than a final judgment. It takes into account the potential for irreparable harm and the principle of balancing convenience, which underpin the temporary suspension of the film’s screening. The court indicated that a final verdict will be delivered only after detailed arguments from both sides. Previously, the Supreme Court had taken seriously the issue of harm to the plaintiff community’s dignity in the ‘Nathiya’ and ‘Ailani’ cases and had instructed sensitivity regarding language, style, and presentation in such works. Further decisions from the court are expected following the hearing scheduled for 22 Baisakh.
